Philadelphia Warriors road jersey worn by Hall of Fame forward "Pitchin' Paul" Arizin during the 1961-1962 season. Graded A10 by MEARS. The blue dureen jersey is lettered "Phila" across the front and features the number "11" on the front and reverse. All letters and numerals are appliquéd in red on white tackle twill (shadowbox style). Located on the left front tail are a "Pearson" label and a blue strip tag bearing the size, uniform number, and year ("42 11 61") chain-stitched in red. Gold-and-red trim is featured along the collar and arm/shoulder openings. The jersey, which is original as issued, with no alterations, displays heavy wear throughout (consistent with a full season of use). Accompanying the jersey is a matching pair of 1961-1962 Philadelphia Warriors road shorts worn by Al Attles. The blue satin shorts feature a red-and-gold trim along the waistband, and a red-and-white trim along the leg openings. Located on one of the interior hip pads is a "Pearson" label, an adjacent "34" size tag, and a blue strip tag bearing the size, year, and uniform number ("34 61 16") chain-stitched in white (Attles wore number "16" during the 1961-1962 season). The shorts display heavy wear, including a number of small holes (possibly as a result of insect damage). The fact that the Attles' shorts accompany this jersey is related to its provenance. After the 1961-1962 season the Warriors moved from Philadelphia to San Francisco. At the time, a friend of our consignor's brother worked at the arena and asked if either of the brothers wanted any of the uniform items that were left as souvenirs. They said yes and, without specifying any particular player, they received this Arizin jersey and Attles shorts. Both the jersey and pants have been in our consignor's possession for the past fifty years!

1961-1962 marked Arizin's final NBA season, mainly because he refused to relocate to San Francisco (he actually played three more seasons for the Camden Bullets of the Eastern Professional Basketball League). Although a ten-year veteran, Arizin still had his shooting touch in his last season, averaging 21.9 points per game during the 1961-1962 campaign. Arizin was one of the NBA's true pioneers, and he helped to usher in the modern game of basketball by introducing the jump shot. One of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, his career point total of 16,266 was third best in history at the time of his retirement. In addition to leading the Warriors to the 1956 NBA Championship, Arizin was also a ten-time All-Star and a three-time All NBA First Team selection. He was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978, and in 1996 was named as one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players. This is one of only a few Paul Arizin jerseys we have ever seen, not to mention the first we have ever handled, and with a perfect grade of A10 by MEARS it certainly ranks among the finest known. Given both its rarity and Arizin's importance in the history of the NBA, it represents a truly exceptional Hall of Fame jersey and one that would be among the highlights of any advanced basketball collection. LOA from Troy Kinunen/MEARS. Reserve $5,000. Estimate $10,000++. SOLD FOR $13,035.00

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